Wired, Wireless, Infrared and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems

Abstract

A method and system for communicating audio signals between an input device and an output device via a network. The output device can include loudspeakers and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel speaker, transmits audio signals to other output devices. In some embodiments, the output device is coupled to, or combined with, a speaker stand or speaker bracket. The network can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for providing an audio signal and a control signal that is generated by an input device to a remote loudspeaker via a network, the method comprising:
 receiving an audio signal from the input device;   detecting a characteristic associated with the audio signal;   coding the characteristic into a control signal; and   transmitting the audio signal and the control signal to a loudspeaker via the network.